THE JERUSALEM OLD CITY INITIATIVE

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THE JERUSALEM OLD CITY INITIATIVE

• PRESENTATION AT JIIS ON
• 17 APRIL 2007

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• Canadian University Research Undertaking
• Launched 2004
• Extensive consultations with experts on all sides
• Based at the University of Windsor

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The Premise

• Need for new option beyond Clinton Parameters for
  future negotiations
• Given the multi-dimensional uniqueness of the Old
  City, any solution must be tailored to meet
  stakeholders needs

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The Objective

• To provide negotiators with options if and when
  permanent status negotiations resume
• Balance between sustainability and needs

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Uniqueness
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Necessity for New Approach

• Other elements of comprehensive peace almost
  certainly based on exclusivity
• Old City division not workable
• Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif not divisible
  density and diversity

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Needs Based Approach

• Based on a belief that the needs of each
  party have to be satisfied, including emotional
  and symbolic requirements
• Old City residents
• Jerusalemites
• Israelis and Palestinians
• Jews, Muslims and Christians
• Political Leaderships

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Space for a Third Party Common Needs Areas of
Contention
Archaeological Excavation
Access to Holy Sites
Third Party
Security
Property Ownership
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Building on and Beyond Clinton Parameters

• Single entity
• Contiguity
• Integrity
• Equity
• Effective 3rd party role
• Special governance arrangements
• Old City walls as boundaries
• Duration of agreement
• Assumption on 2 capitals

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All Sides Contribute Legitimize
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Special Governance Arrangements

• Clear 3rd party, Israeli, and Palestinian roles
• Source of authority
• Delegation of authority
• Sovereignty arrangements
• Old City executive authority
• Functions under national authorities
• Holy Sites and religious status quo

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Special Governance Arrangements

• Potential inter-religious council
• Effective police service(s)
• Residents exercise political rights through
  a) participation in their nations
  processes b) neighborhood councils
  c) other mechanisms
• Transforming Jerusalem conurbation
• Economics
• Finances
• International buy-in

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Possible Single Police Service

• Composition
• Rapid reaction
• Coordination
• Training
• Equipment
• Mandate
• Costs

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The Boundaries
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Entry and Exit Arrangements at the Jaffa Gate
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Work in Progress

• Phase I -Discussion Document completed Dec.
  2005
• Phase II - Governance and Security Working
  Groups
• underway
• - SWG study completed Fall 2007
  
• - Governance work completed
  Summer 2008
• - Final Phase II Report
  October 2008
• Phase III - Economic and Narrative Working Groups
• Currently 20 major research papers so far
  commissioned

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The Challenges Ahead

• Sovereignty
• Israeli/Palestinian traditional distrust of the
  international community
• Instilling confidence, fairness, and
  predictability
• Problem areas e.g., Mount of Olives

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Visit us at www.uwindsor.ca/jerusaleminitiative